8-Day Off-the-Beaten-Path Route, Taking You into a Fairy Tale World

✨ Unique Highlights of the Itinerary Explore hidden spots unknown to ordinary tourists Reasonable daily driving distances for a slow travel experience Experience the most authentic folk culture Exclusive reveal of the best photo times 🗓️ Daily Itinerary Details 🌿 Day 1: Urumqi - S101 National Defense Highway - Kuitun 🚗 Distance: 380 km | ⏱️ Driving time: 5 hours 🎯 Secret Exploration S101 Highway: Known as the "Little Duku," combining yardang landforms, grasslands, and canyons Lujiaowan Summer Pasture: A paradise at the foot of the Tianshan Mountains Anjihai Grand Canyon: Untouched primitive wonder 📸 Exclusive Photo Spots Lujiaowan Pasture wooden boardwalk Anjihai Grand Canyon cliff viewpoint (safety first) 💎 Day 2: Kuitun - Sailimu Lake - Guozigou - Lavender Manor - Yining 🚗 Distance: 450 km | ⏱️ Driving time: 5.5 hours 🎯 Secret Exploration Sailimu Lake lesser-known entrance: Stunning views away from the crowds Guozigou Golden Peak: Best spot overlooking the entire valley Lavender Manor: Immersive purple romance experience 🌅 Special Arrangements Sailimu Lake stargazing camping (optional) Lavender making experience 🏞️ Day 3: Yining - Kazanqi - Qiongkushitai 🚗 Distance: 280 km | ⏱️ Driving time: 4 hours 🎯 Secret Exploration Kazanqi Folk Village: Leisure time in the blue town Qiongkushitai: Pristine village in the heart of the Tianshan Mountains Wusun Ancient Road entrance: Discover secrets of the thousand-year-old path 📸 Must-Capture Scenes Kazanqi blue doors and windows Qiongkushitai sunset light and shadow 🌄 Day 4: Full Day Deep Tour of Qiongkushitai 🚗 Distance: 0 km | ⏱️ Driving time: 0 hours 🎯 Secret Exploration High mountain lake hiking: A professional 4-hour round trip route Visit herders’ homes: Learn to make cheese and milk tea Forest picnic: Enjoy nature among cedar trees 🐎 Special Experiences Horseback ride to secret waterfalls Learn to build a Kazakh yurt 🏔️ Day 5: Qiongkushitai - Tekes - Chaxi Grassland 🚗 Distance: 180 km | ⏱️ Driving time: 3 hours 🎯 Secret Exploration Tekes Bagua City: The only city without traffic lights Chaxi Grassland: The forgotten aerial grassland Tarim Forest Park: Kingdom of Tianshan spruce 🌌 Night Highlights Grassland stargazing Bonfire party 🌊 Day 6: Chaxi - Tangbula Hundred-Mile Gallery - Qiaorma 🚗 Distance: 220 km | ⏱️ Driving time: 4 hours 🎯 Secret Exploration Tangbula Grassland: A hundred-mile scroll with a new scene at every step Fairy Lake: A high mountain lake accessible only by horseback Qiaorma Martyrs’ Cemetery: Tribute to road-building heroes 📸 Photo Tips Fairy Lake reflections Close-ups of wildflowers on the grassland 🛣️ Day 7: Qiaorma - Duku Highway - Shawan 🚗 Distance: 380 km | ⏱️ Driving time: 6 hours 🎯 Secret Exploration Northern section of Duku Highway: The most beautiful scenic road Hashilergen Pass: Summer snow play experience Shawan Big Plate Chicken: Authentic taste from the origin 🍽️ Food Experience Learn to make Big Plate Chicken Taste watermelon irrigated by Tianshan snowmelt 🎪 Day 8: Shawan - Urumqi International Grand Bazaar 🚗 Distance: 180 km | ⏱️ Driving time: 2.5 hours 🎯 Secret Exploration Shawan morning market: Experience local mornings Urumqi Grand Bazaar: Central Asian style trading hub Xinjiang Museum: Learn about millennia of Western Region history 🛍️ Souvenir Recommendations Hand embroidery Ethnic musical instruments Natural spices 🎒 Special Preparations Before the Trip 📦 Secret Exploration Gear Hiking: Trekking poles, waterproof hiking shoes Photography: Telephoto lens, drone (note no-fly zones) Protection: Mosquito repellent, sunscreen, rain gear Supplies: High-energy snacks, thermos 💡 Thoughtful Tips Some areas have weak signals; download offline maps in advance Respect local customs; ask permission before taking photos Protect the environment; take all trash with you 📸 Advanced Photography Tips 🎞️ Professional Shooting Advice Golden hours: 1 hour after sunrise, 1 hour before sunset Equipment prep: Tripod (for long exposure), ND filter (for water flow) Composition tips: Use foreground to add layers 🌟 Must-Capture Scenes Sailimu Lake starry sky Qiongkushitai morning mist Chaxi Grassland wildflowers Duku Highway mountain switchbacks Kazanqi cultural documentary 🌟 Exclusive Experience Projects 🎨 Cultural Experiences Learn Uyghur dance Make a hand drum and learn basic rhythms Participate in Kazakh embroidery workshop 🏕️ Outdoor Experiences Grassland hiking knowledge lessons Wilderness survival skills experience Basic star photography course 💫 Itinerary Highlights Summary 📷 Secret Check-in Spots S101 Highway colorful Danxia landforms Qiongkushitai primitive village Chaxi Grassland secret spot Tangbula Fairy Lake Duku Highway seasonal landscapes 🍴 Food Memories Freshly brewed milk tea at herders’ homes Grassland roasted lamb Handmade ice cream Seasonal fresh fruits 🌲 Follow me to discover more Xinjiang hidden gems! For detailed route books or local guide recommendations, feel free to message me~